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Below are questions that Martica Sawin
asked Fairwinds on her own. Since some are new, I am including them all
here.
54-1. I have heard that the tankers supplying Fairwinds do
not belong to the company. Is this correct? If so under what country are
they registered? What guarantees are there that they are adequately
insured? What security checks are the members of the crew passed through?
In relation to its global LNG business, ConocoPhillips is
considering commissioning the construction of several new LNG tankers.
ConocoPhillips' Marine Department will exert a very high degree of control
over vessels and crew arriving in Harpswell, either through direct
ownership of vessels or long-term charter agreements. In today's LNG
trade, either the buyer or the seller of LNG typically owns the vessel.
However decisions on the ownership of LNG vessels for the Fairwinds
project have not been made at this time.
Based on standard industry practices, ConocoPhillips
anticipates that ships chartered to deliver LNG to the Fairwinds terminal
are likely to be registered in foreign countries. Every vessel that
delivers LNG to the Fairwinds terminal will be thoroughly vetted by
ConocoPhillips' Marine Department to ensure full compliance with national
and international maritime regulations and standards. The crew will be
highly trained and capable of performing to our high standards. All crews
must clear rigorous checks by the Coast Guard, as well as Customs and
Immigration, before ships are allowed to enter U.S. ports.
Within U.S. waters, LNG carriers are subject to U.S. Coast
Guard regulations, which are focused on safety. The U.S. Coast Guard has
authority over the design, construction, staffing, and operation of LNG
ships, as well as the duties of the ship's officers and crew. The U.S.
Coast Guard conducts inspections to ensure that ships have
adequate environmental protection and safety equipment, and that operators
are conforming to all other maritime standards.
54-2. How much of the constructions and operational costs of
Fairwinds will be paid for by the Federal government if the amount for LNG
in the Energy Bill stands when it again comes up for passage?
All of the costs for construction and operation of the
Fairwinds facilities will be paid for by the venture partners,
ConocoPhillips and TransCanada.
54-3. At the meeting it was said that the Coast Guard would
send a warning when the tankers were approaching. How will we receive that
warning. We use our small boat for fishing all the time; my son in law
takes contributors to his organization fishing, people who come here
specifically for that purpose. Suppose they arrive and are forbidden to go
out or that they are over fishing in the Basin and start for home on the
other side of Basin Point not knowing that a tanker is en route?
Although the exact amount of advanced notification that
the USCG will allow Fairwinds to provide fishermen and other water users
in Casco Bay is not yet known, we have met with the Commander of the USCG
in Portland to discuss how notification could occur. First, there is a
Port Safety Forum that meets quarterly to determine the most effective
means of communication between users of a port facility. Second, we will
be permitted to notify all affected wharfs at least a couple of days in
advance so they can notify fishermen. Typically, the Coast Guard
broadcasts a notice to mariners about 24 hours before a ship's arrival.
The Coast Guard establishes safety zones for LNG ships
that are specific to conditions in a given channel or port and apply while
the ship is in motion and when it is berthed. No waterborne traffic is
allowed to intrude into this safety zone without permission. The Coast
Guard has not yet determined the size of the safety zone for this project.
However, in an October 6, 2003 article in the Portland Press Herald, Lt.
Dean Jones of the USCG suggests that the Harpswell security zone would
more closely reflect that in Cove Point MD, which requires a 500-yard
security zone while transiting the Chesapeake Bay and while berthed at the
Cove Point LNG terminal, instead of the larger security zone required in
Boston which is a heavily populated and industrialized area. The Coast
Guard will determine the size of the safety zone specific to the Fairwinds
LNG operations during the permit application phase of the project.
These safety zones are not permanent restrictions. They
apply only in the vicinity of the ship as it navigates Casco Bay or is
berthed at the terminal's dock. There potentially could be some temporary
restrictions on access to water-based activities such as boating or
kayaking in the channel during ship transit, docking and berthing if those
activities were to occur inside the Coast Guard established safety zone.
Based on preliminary information from the pilots on vessel speeds through
Broad Sound and the Whaleboat Island channel, we anticipate that access
for water users at any given point would be no more than 30 minutes as the
ship passes. Although not guaranteed, the Coast Guard has indicated that
there is a probability that traditional users in a location could receive
a permit to carry on activities inside the security zone.
54-4. We swim off our dock opposite the north end of
Whaleboat Island daily in the summer months. Will we be in danger or
forbidden to swim?
Please see the comment above. Also, we will be working
with the Coast Guard to identify a specific channel that ships will use as
they approach the terminal. Which side of Whaleboat Island the carriers
will use to access the terminal is still to be determined . If your dock
is located across from the northern end of Whaleboat (I believe you are on
Crows Nest Way), it is unlikely that swimming would be prohibited in the
vicinity of your dock or that swimmers would be in any danger from a
passing ship, at least significantly less danger than they might be from
pleasure or fishing boats that could operate in close proximity to your
dock.
54-5. We frequently eat the mussels gathered on our
shorefront when there is no red tide. What will the effect of the various
discharges from ship and shore have on the edibility of mussels or the
population itself?
Vessels serving the Fairwinds terminal during construction
and operations will comply with regulations for grey or black water
discharge. No vessel will discharge ballast and no refueling of the
vessels will be done at the LNG terminal.
54-6. I am told that Fairwinds will make no restitution to
Harpswell Neck residents whose property becomes valueless. Is this
correct?
The Fairwinds project will bring significant economic
benefits to the community of Harpswell. Any comments related to property
values are highly speculative.
54-6A -2 (Chris Duval) The "economic benefits" to
Harpswell that the ConocoPhillips/TransCanada people continually refer to
are highly speculative. The damage to abutters property values if this
project is built are also, of course, speculative, as the project does not
yet exist.
53Q: Is it true that
Fairwinds has hired Dennis Bailey who directed the Casino No campaign to
produce a win for Conoco?
Has Fairwinds ceased to answer reasonable questions?
53A
52B Where are the environmentalist on Fairwinds.....just
because the depot is less than pristine?
52A: I have written Audubon and NRCM to see if they have
an opinion.
51Q I have a request for information that I have heard
very little about, but I believe to be one of the most important issues in
the Fairwinds proposal. I would like to see a map of the area the ships
will travel through, with a rectangle drawn on it representing the area
taken up by the ship and by the so-called safety zone around it. I'd like
to see just how much water will be unavailable to normal human beings
while the ship is in motion.
If so, is it true that the "safety" of that zone will be enforced by
escort boats with machine guns?
Chris Hall
51A
50Q: I am not sure how questions are being answered at
this point, but I would like to pose this one, just for
clarification: Will there be a smell associated with this plant or related
pipeline?
50A
49Q-1: What will be the impact of the arrival and
departure of "tankers" on other than fishing craft in the bay? Will
pleasure craft have restrictions? Will the safety of the LNG bombs require
that boaters stay away from normal activities?
49Q-2: If pleasure boating is hampered, What will the
impact be on the tourist industry in Harpswell, Brunswick, Freeport, etc.?
How many "small" businesses will be impacted? Marinas, Restaurants, B&B's,
cottage rentals? etc.
49Q-3: What will be the impact of terrorist precautions
on the normal lives of Harpswell residents and guests?
49Q-4: Will we be hampered from our normal recreation?
49A [Peter Micciche answered 11/11; posted
12/14] Response for all 49Q
The US Coast Guard establishes safety zones
for LNG ships that are specific to conditions in a given channel or port
and apply while the ship is in motion and when it is berthed. No
waterborne traffic is allowed to intrude into this safety zone without
permission. The Coast Guard has not yet determined the size of the safety
zone for this project. However, in an October 6, 2003 article in the
Portland Press Herald, Lt. Dean Jones of the USCG suggests that the
Harpswell security zone would more closely reflect that in Cove Point MD,
which requires a 500-yard security zone while transiting the Chesapeake
Bay and while berthed at the Cove Point LNG terminal, instead of the
larger security zone required in Boston which is a heavily populated and
industrialized area. The Coast Guard will determine the size of the safety
zone specific to the Fairwinds LNG operations during the permit
application phase of the project.
These safety zones are not permanent restrictions. They
apply only in the vicinity of the ship as it navigates Casco Bay or is
berthed at the terminal’s dock. There potentially could be some temporary
restrictions on access to water-based activities such as boating or
kayaking in the channel during ship transit, docking and berthing if that
activity were to occur inside the Coast Guard established safety zone.
Although not guaranteed, the Coast Guard has indicated that there is a
probability that traditional users in a location could receive a permit to
carry on activities inside the security zone.
When commenting on issues important to our national
well-being it is important that we don’t capitulate to perceived threats
and scare tactics that do not reflect history or reality, and don’t
unwittingly support the agenda of terrorist organizations who seek to
undermine our quality of life.
48Q: How about this? Have fairwinds
arrange to have a "dry run". Have an LNG tanker with ballast ONLY be met
at the 200 mile escort limit by the U.S. Coast guard, then accompanying
tugs as will be needed and come into port (on the ONLY approved route)? If
there is more than one then enter on all of them and dock. Have the coast
guard place into effect ALL restrictions and precautions for operations
and safety. Then we will know the impact of arrival and departure of the
tankers.
48A:
47Q: I have been told that, according to a Conoco
representative, the tankers transporting LNG to Harpswell will not belong
to the company. If this is correct, is it possible for the company to tell
us under what country's flag these vessels will operate? whether it is a
country conforming to international seafaring regulations? what type of
insurance coverage the company operating the tankers will be required to
carry? and what kind of security will govern the hiring of crew members? [M.R.Sawin,
Basin Point]
47A: [Peter Micciche (He answered this on
11/11/03, but I missed posting it.] In relation to its global LNG
business, ConocoPhillips is considering commissioning the construction of
several new LNG tankers. ConocoPhillips’ Marine Department will exert a
very high degree of control over vessels and crew arriving in Harpswell,
either through direct ownership of vessels or long-term charter
agreements. In today’s LNG trade, either the buyer or the seller of LNG
typically owns the vessel. However decisions on the ownership of LNG
vessels for the Fairwinds project have not been made at this time.
Ships chartered to deliver LNG to the Fairwinds terminal
are likely to be registered in foreign countries in keeping with standard
industry practices. Every vessel that delivers LNG to the Fairwinds
terminal will be thoroughly vetted by ConocoPhillips’ Marine Department to
ensure full compliance with national and international maritime
regulations and standards. The crew will be highly trained and capable of
performing to our high standards. All crews must clear rigorous checks by
the Coast Guard, as well as Customs and Immigration, before ships are
allowed to enter U.S. ports.
Within U.S. waters, LNG carriers are subject to U.S. Coast
Guard regulations, which are focused on safety. The U.S. Coast Guard has
authority over the design, construction, staffing, and operation of LNG
ships, as well as the duties of the ship’s officers and crew. The U.S.
Coast Guard conducts inspections to ensure that ships have adequate
environmental protection and safety equipment, and that operators are
conforming to all other maritime standards.
46Q: If the pipeline construction meets with HARD rock
bottom, how will the construction company guarantee that silt and other
by- products will not negatively impact the lobster fishery? This includes
above sea bottom 4 foot diameter pipes which impede lobster migration.
46A
45Q: Why don't the proponents of the Terminal do ALL the
studies necessary to determine the route of the pipeline And its
construction, And the effects on fishing of that construction (during &
after) for years to come?
45Q:
44Q: Why is a LNG terminal in HARPSWELL favorable to one
on the offshore islands of Casco Bay near Portland since the pipeline will
assuredly go to the ports of the west?
44A
43Q: What is the "offset" of jobs gained vs. jobs lost?
Construction is temporary, Permanent jobs ca. 8 vs. 50-60 fishermen?
43A:
42Q: I have been told that "Fairwinds" should have on
file a chart called a Thermal Exclusion Zone (TEZ). This chart would show
what number of deaths and what types of injuries can be expected within
certain distances from that proposed tanks in the unlikely event of a
major disaster. I have seen the TEZ chart for the Wells, Maine project
that was defeated, and it shows exactly what homes and buildings are in
the different zones, and what type of casualties and damage would be
expected in a worst case scenario. Does "Fairwinds" have such a chart, and
will they release it to the public?
42A
41Q: Why was there no public hearings on
the Tradewinds project before the announcement was made in mid September?
41Q: [bwt] The correct name is Fairwinds. It is my
understanding that the Selectmen first heard of the project
in August. The time up until the announcement on September 18 was used for
negotiation. Public hearings began after it was announced.
We are summer residents and taxpayers. If
we hadn't returned later on Columbus Day weekend, we would still be in the
dark about Tradewinds. Why was the announcement made after most of the
summer residents left?
41Q: [bwt] It is my understanding that the announcement
was made as soon as the Selectman were satisfied they had made the best
deal possible.
Why is a selectman with ties to the energy
industry in a decision making capacity?
41A [bwt] I assume because he was elected as Selectman by
the people of Harpswell.
Why is a vote being taken before an
environmental study conducted?
41A [bwt] There is not time to complete one prior to
January 20, when the vote will take place. Also, Fairwinds does not want
to begin the expensive process until it has assurance that the town will
agree to the project
If you could shed some light on these
issues for us, we would be very appreciative. [Jane Perkins, George
Perkins, 3 Matthews Way
41A:
40Q What kind of impact will the freezing of the bays
during the winter have on the unloading process of the gas. will the ships
be able to move in and out during these ice ups, are moving ice sheets a
threat to these ships while they are docked. ice is common in those bays
despite the fact that we have been relatively ice free for a number of
years not including last winter when the bays did in fact ice up heavily.
[John Powers]
40A
39Q: We have been told that there would be little effect
on the movements of recreational and commercial boats in the area, partly
because these boats could get permits that would allow them to move about
with relative freedom. What would happen with visiting boats?
We have also been told that a terrorist attack is a remote possibility in
Harpswell. However, what would happen if there were a terrorist attack on
Boston or any where else in the U.S.? How quickly and for how long
would the freedom of movement of commercial and recreational boats in
Harpswell be severely curtailed?
39A
38Q: I have heard a couple of people say, in effect, "if
the fisherman can deal with the tankers in Portland Harbor, they can learn
to deal with LNG tankers in Harpswell." Can anyone explain why that
is either a fair or an unfair statement? In other words, is comparing
Harpswell with Portland helpful? Joe Payne's list (see Friends of Casco
Bay on Links page) suggests that it
is not fair in some respects. [bwt]
38A:
37Q: Harpswell's 1993 Comprehensive Plan needs to be
amended according to Selectman Weil because "we didn't know in 1993"
that the town would have the fuel depot. The proposed amendments will
accommodate the Fairwinds project or other future industrial type
projects. Then shouldn't we also be amending the entire Section VII,
Public Access? Under Background.. "The greatest obstacle to the
public's enjoyment of the waterfront is the limited public access. The
Town's landings become congested with vehicles and trailers on sunny
weekends, frustrating local residents and fishermen who have traditionally
used the landings......" Under Goals and Policies for Public Access
the following stands out the most to me. c. Identify potential
points of public access to the shoreline, and where appropriate, secure
title to them d. Identify existing and potential points of public
access to the shoreline such as the Naval Fuel Depot as part of a
long-term open space/recreation/public access plan.
The new Comprehensive plan that was supposed to be voted
on in 2003 was delayed until 2004 and now the selectmen have delayed it
yet another year. The draft of the new Comprehensive Plan under Public
Access included under Goals & Policies the following. "Support use of
the fuel depot property, in part, for public access to the ocean
37Q:
36Q: I have read and reread the memorandum of offer from
ConocoPhillips and nowhere can I find a binding provision for financing
the eventual clean-up and demolition of construction on the site after
thirty or fifty years. At the October 7 hearing with the Selectmen, one
of the selectmen stated that the cost of demolition of the existing and
now evidently unsafe pier was estimated at $2,000,000. What might the
cost be fifty years hence of removing the large amount of very solid
construction proposed by ConocoPhillips, with inflation factored in? Who
takes care of it if the market for or supply of liquid natural gas
collapses and the company goes out of business? Wouldn't Harpswell
taxpayers want protection against this possibility in the form of a bond
posted at the start of the lease?
36A{10/21} [From the MOO:]
13. Obligation to Remediate in the Event of Termination.
In the event of termination of the Lease for whatever reason, Lessee is
obligated (i) to restore the Site to its immediately pre-lease condition,
and (ii) to remove improvements, provided, however, the Town can waive
these obligations in whole or in part except that the Town may not waive
the obligation to remove improvements should maintaining said structure on
the site cause the Lessee any continuing liability. Lessee shall provide
security for these obligations satisfactory to Lessor.
36Q-2 In reading the paragraphs preceding the ones you
cite it would seem that "termination" implies before the lease expires and
the wording should be adjusted to read termination or expiration. In
addition there is no specific amount or vehicle given as assurance in the
event of the company's inability to pay these expenses. My point was that
the Selectmen should be right now requiring the posting of a bond for at
least $100,000,000 to be used for demolition and clean up in the event of
a failure in the LNG business, as when we all turn to wind power or when
the lease expires in 30 years. If the estimate for removing the current
pier is $2,000,000 as the Selectmen stated on October 7, imagine with
inflation what it might cost to remove those 12 story tanks, the longer
pier, the pipes and all that does not show in Conoco's imaginary picture
of the site.
36-2A
35Q: Peter Micciche frequently mentions
that fishermen and recreational boaters can obtain a permit from the US
Coast Guard allowing them to operate near the terminal while taking on
product and in the vicinity of ships transiting to and from the pier. Has
the Coast Guard already agreed to this?
[Keith Jensen, Birchmere Lane ]
35A: {10/19}[bwt]:
As I understand it, the Coast Guard cannot provide answers until the
project is ready to go. His answer is based on experience in other areas,
particularly Alaska.
Also, see question #22 just answered on 10/21.
34Q: What is the total value of Harpswells lobster
industry in town ..not just pounds landed but total monies derived from
the industry from wholesale ,retail, restaurants, etc.. [j powers]
33Q: Is it customary for town officials, selectmen, to
receive monetary contributions from the company involved whether in the
form of stock options or cash after a deal of this magnitude is completed?
[bwt]
33A:{10/22}[Fairwinds]:
There will be no payments made to officials at any
level by Fairwinds, ConocoPhillips or TransCanada. To do so would violate
corporate governance and code of business ethics standards for both of the
proponent companies. Both companies are committed to the highest ethical
standards. All parties are negotiating the deal in good faith on behalf of
their constituents.
32Q: Are the minutes of the Fuel Depot Committee for the
last couple of years available? [bwt]
32A{10/19}[Dee
Williamson] Do not know if the Fuel Depot Committee has filed minutes, but
the committee guidelines state that committees are to have minutes of each
meeting and that they are to be filed with the town office within five
days of committee approval. I have found information to be lacking when
requesting (several different) committee minutes.
32A {10/22}[Town] Committee
minutes are available at the Town Office. Please contact Linda Strickland.
31Q: The July issue of the Anchor had an article about
the Fuel Depot. It said, "Fuel
depot
committee
chairwoman,
Roberta Weil,
says her panel is
finalizing a
new report that outlines the
pros, cons,
feasibility and obstacles of various proposed
uses for the property
commonly known as
the former
Fuel Depot, . . ." What has happened
to that report? Will it be issued? I think it is more important now
than it was in July. [bwt]
31A {10/19}[Dee
Williamson] If the committee submits a report to the town it is public
info. Copies probably will not be "issued" as in mailed to taxpayers but
you may request a copy...probably for a fee.
31A: {10/22}[Town]There
is no report at this time, but it is my understanding the Committee may
submit one by year-end.
30Q: I just spoke with a friend of mine who says she
received a call from Fairwinds asking if she would like to reduce her
taxes by 50 %. After speaking with friends, she believe Fairwinds is
contacting everyone on a fixed income in Harpswell and suggesting that
should they vote in favor of the LNG facility that their taxes will be
reduced by 50%.
Can anyone else out there confirm they got a similar phone call?
30A: {10/15}: I have twice asked
why this person thought it was Fairwinds calling. I am waiting for an
answer. [bwt]
30A: {10/18}:Peter Micciche has told me that Fairwinds has made and
will make telephone surveys. But not this one. [bwt]
29A: One report in the Times Record reported
"desalinization" as an activity of "Unfairwinds" with NO explanation of
the reason for the need, nor of the impact of the process and its
byproducts on the Harpswell environment (that includes Air, Water, and
Land) degradation. Also, What about noise and light impact on the site?
How many other ancillary activities will negatively impact and degrade the
beauty, economy, and "Life as it should be" in our most lovely town?
Note: Some of these have been discussed. For example,
Fairwinds provided a noise sample at their open houses. (50db)
29A:
28Q: How come Fairwinds does not seem to be posting any
of their meetings on their website as they said they would be doing?
28A {10/22}[Fairwinds]:
There have been no recent meetings. New information
sessions are planned prior to the December 1 public hearing on the lease.
The schedule for these meetings will be published on the Fairwinds web
page.
I keep checking their website and since the open houses,
they have posted nothing. For example, they did not post their (open to
public meeting) with the Utilities & Energy Committee of the Maine State
Legislature, or the meeting with the lobstermen this past week. And they
have not posted to the public box lunch meeting they are speaking at this
Wednesday at the Elijah Kellogg Church.
28A: {10/12}:The
Kellogg Church meeting is the Men's Brownbag lunch, which is Tuesday,
Oct. 14th at noon. Bring a lunch, coffee provided
27Q: How will the money we get from Fairwinds if it
passes be managed, and who will manage it? [bwt]
27A: {10/22}[Town]:
Forwarded to Selectmen for response.
27A: {10/31}[Town]:This
question was answered in the Anchor as follows:
The money paid to the Town will be used as directed by the Town Meeting
and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan to be adopted in 2005.
Suggestions include: graduated property tax relief with more relief going
to lower value properties (as in the Homestead Exemption); capital
projects such as a recreational facility and the acquisition of additional
open space for Town use; a reserve fund to insure that property tax relief
continues after the project is removed.
In short, to be determined by the Town. Significant
revenues would not begin until year 3 at the earliest. It is likely that
the first two years' revenues will go for property tax reduction.
26Q: Did the town ever get a written estimate for how
much it would cost to remove the pier at the fuel depot? There was a wide
margin of numbers thrown around and comments by a couple of members of
past Fuel Depot Committees (also AD-HOC committee) over the
years. (Example) I talked to so and so at ABC company and he told me it
would cost ex number of dollars.
26A {10/22}[Town]:
A rough order magnitude (ROM) estimate was provided by Reed
& Reed, Inc. of Woolwich, Me dated September 25, 1998 as follows:
Total cost to repair dock at $2,062,500
Total cost to repair pier at $200,000
Total cost to remove dock at $1,003,200
25Q: Why have the Selectmen decided to put up for a town
vote changes to the terms of Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Tax Collector with
no discussion that I have heard and without waiting until March Town
Meeting? Is this related to Fairwinds in some way? [Burr Taylor]
25A: {10/9}:Other towns have terms
longer than one year for Town Clerk, Tax Collector etc. Having longer
terms for these positions have been mentioned before and because they are
not what you could call highly contested positions...why not. I doubt
that there is any connection to the Fairwinds proposal. See Selectmen's
minutes for
August 21, 2003 for more info. [Dee Williamson}
25A: {10/12}:Other
towns in Maine do have longer terms for Town Clerk, Tax Collector & Road
Commissioner, but there is usually a recall ordinance or a Town Charter
that addresses recall, along with these 3 year terms. I hope that if the
Selectmen put the 3 year term on the upcoming ballot, they include a
recall ordinance with it. If there is no provision for recall, I hope the
citizens vote this down. [Donna Frisoli]
25A: {10/12}Donna
has a very good point there should be a recall mechanism included. [Dee
Williamson]
25A: {10/15}:[Town]
The matter is not
related to the proposed LNG terminal. It has been discussed at selectmen's
meetings and there will be a public hearing on October 27. In order for
the change to be effective at any town meeting, it must be voted more than
90 days before that time. By voting in November, it will be possible to
make the change effective with the 2004 Annual Town Meeting rather than
waiting a full year.
24Q: I would very much like to know why some people
support the LNG proposal.
Specifically, I would like to know what substantiated, concrete
reasons are leading them to believe this is good. It can't be because
taxes will go down, because property values will go up or because we may
get a full-time fire department; those are not genuine, take-to-the-bank
facts but suppositions of what may happen if the proposal goes through.
What is it that is so appealing about this proposal? [Phyllis
Gamache Jensen]
I would like to set up a separate page for this
question, if more than a couple of people answer it. [bwt}
24A: {10/19}:[B.
Ring] job opportunity for 50 + 400 people, and over 1000 during
construction. opportunity
for some to learn new skills and have jobs that help them “reduce their
commute time” compared to other options for the
property of an industrial nature this is the most attractive from all the
possibilities.
It is quieter, cleaner, less of an eyesore.
If you are not with me on this. I ask what
offer TYCO had before the town on the property. TYCO is one that has been
in the news for investigation of Corruption. They are a large producer of
Plastics, and medical disposables, As well as
other things. Might want to consider almost any utilization by a
commercial or industrial user will utilize the dock and bring in ships.
These ships are cleaner and quieter than others that may use the site.
I edited Bob's answers. [bwt]
23Q There have been many questions
raised about the accuracy of the artists renderings that Fairwinds is
using to represent what the facility would look like. Many feel that these
are totally unrealistic, and paint an unrealistic picture of what this
major industrial facility would be. Even Selectman Weil has said that he
wants to see more accurate drawings. But Fairwinds continues to show these
drawings in their brochures, on their web site, and at various hearings
with state officials. Why won't they stop using them?
Chris Duval
23A
22Q: Will cottage owners in Birchmere and Edgewater be
able to enjoy there cottages the same as they do now without any
restrictions and how far from the pier towards Edgewater will the safety
zone be.
R Judd
22A: {10/21}:[Peter
Micciche] The US Coast Guard establishes safety zones for LNG ships that
are specific to conditions in a given channel or port and apply while the
ship is in motion and when it is berthed. No waterborne traffic is allowed
to intrude into this safety zone without permission. The Coast Guard has
not yet determined the size of the safety zone for this project. However,
in an October 6, 2003 article in the Portland Press Herald, Lt. Dean Jones
of the USCG suggests that the Harpswell security zone would more closely
reflect that in Cove Point MD, which requires a 500-yard security zone
while transiting the Chesapeake Bay and while berthed at the Cove Point
LNG terminal, instead of the larger security zone required in Boston which
is a heavily populated and industrialized area. The Coast Guard will
determine the size of the safety zone specific to the Fairwinds LNG
operations during the permit application phase of the project. These
safety zones are not permanent restrictions. They apply only in the
vicinity of the ship as it navigates Casco Bay or is berthed at the
terminal’s dock.
The cottage owners and residents of Birchmere and
Edgewater will be able to continue to enjoy their properties. However,
there potentially could be some temporary restrictions on their access to
water-based activities such as boating or kayaking in the channel during
ship transit, docking and berthing if that activity were to occur inside
the U.S. Coast Guard established safety zone.
21Q. If arrivals and departures are 6 to 9 days apart
will it ever be propitious to haul and replace the livelihood of
Harpswell's number 1 industry? Is it reasonable to tax shore resident
fishermen & women out of there property, and then take away the the source
of that livelihood (the fishing grounds) For gentrified half million
dollar, second houses and multinational corporate profits?
21A
20Q: Did anyone else in Harpswell receive a phone call
several months ago from someone conducting a survey "with people in a
fishing community"? I received one and all of the questions
involved
assorted energy company names including questions about natural gas. I
thought it odd at the time...but now I know why.
20A: Burr Taylor had a
similar experience.
20A {10/5} [Chris Duval]
The energy companies ("Fairwinds") have also been calling
Harpswell residents to participate in focus groups so they can determine
the most effective messages to use in selling us on this project. There is
nothing wrong with this -- but it does point out once again the huge
amounts of money they are willing to spend to get their way.
19Q: Fairwinds has been
asked by various residents at the recent meetings to produce some specific
items. Some of these are:
facility drawings that are more to scale and realistic than those they
have displayed so far
specific examples of how brightly the site will be lit
specific information on noise levels, both at the facility once
complete, and during the construction process
In response to each of these requests, Fairwinds personnel have
promised these would be forthcoming. Yet, we have seen none of these
items.
When might the folks at Fairwinds fulfill their promise to produce
this information?
19Q
18Q: What is the scope of the tanker (width, path, &
draught) with Tugs, Security boats etc. when entering, and leaving port?
How many lobster traps will have to be removed? Nets? Moored craft? & for
how long? considering "off load" then disembarking. How long an impact
between arrivals?
18A: {10/21}:[Peter
Micciche] Today’s typical LNG tanker holds about 140,000
cubic meters of LNG and measures 900 feet in length, 140 feet in width and
38 feet in water draft. These LNG ships are slightly smaller than the
newest world-class vessels currently entering Portland Harbor, the Mattea
and the Kometik. It is anticipated that LNG tanker designs will be larger
in the future with plans to build a new generation ship that may hold some
200,000 cubic meters of LNG. Dimensions for this new class of LNG tankers
would be on the order of 1000 feet long, 150 feet wide and have about a 38
to 42 foot draft.
Detailed studies must be undertaken to verify channel
depths and currents, and collect other navigational data, before the
precise shipping route (path) can be determined. Previously, ships
arriving at the U.S. Navy fuel depot used a route between Whaleboat and
Little Whaleboat Islands.
LNG vessels must comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements
related to tug escort and piloting. We anticipate that the LNG ships will
be escorted by 2 tugs from the entrance to the Whaleboat Island channel to
the turning basin in Middle Bay. Tugboats will probably be needed to push
the ship through its turn and final approach to the berth. We don’t expect
that this will increase the “footprint” of the ships beyond the safety
zones that the Coast Guard will establish. For more information on the
safety zones see the response to 22Q.
The size of the safety zone will determine how long
fishermen, lobstermen and pleasure boaters are unable to access an area
around the ship. Based on preliminary information, we anticipate that
fishing areas would be off-limits for no more than 30 minutes as the ship
passes. It will be the fisherman’s choice whether or not they remove the
traps prior to the passage of a ship. The “moving safety zone” would be in
effect twice every 4 to 9 days as LNG ships arrive at and depart from the
terminal. We expect the ship to be berthed for off-loading LNG for less
than 24 hours and the safety zone would remain in effect at the marine
terminal. It may be possible for fishermen who normally use waters in the
vicinity of the terminal to request waivers from the US Coast Guard in
Portland to operate within the safety zone as is done at the
ConocoPhillips LNG export terminal in Kenai, Alaska.
We will work closely with affected fishermen to establish
effective procedures that will minimize the impacts on their activities.
Communication systems that allow fishermen to time their activities to
maximize their access to the channel and avoid engagement with the ships
when they enter Casco Bay and Middle Bay are a very high priority. There
have also been discussions about the ability to establish an identified
shipping channel for the LNG ships to provide additional certainty to
fishermen of the path of the ships.
17Q: What has happened to tax rates in communities where
there are other LNG ports?
17A{10/15}:[Town] We do not
have this information, but in no other case did the municipality lease its
own property. In general, where natural gas facilities have been
installed, tax rates have either declined or local expenditures increased
to absorb the new tax revenues.
16Q: Where is all the data collected by the companies on
the operation of other LNG terminals? Including pollution, safety, effect
on local industries, employment, etc., etc., etc.
16A {10/21}:[Peter
Micciche] Much of this information is in the public domain.
People may be able to access some of this information through government
agencies and their websites such as
www.ferc.gov
which maintain copies of studies and reports prepared for specific
facilities and applications. As well you may wish to direct readers to
websites for the various companies that operate LNG facilities. A few of
the many sites are listed below:
http://www.atlanticlng.com/thecompany.php3
http://www.phillips66.com/lng/#
http://www.dom.com/about/gas-transmission/covepoint/index.jsp
http://www.marathon.com/Our_Business/Marathon_Oil_Company/Integrated_Natural_Gas/Elba_Island/
http://www.shell-usgp.com/lngmain.asp
15Q. Does anyone have information about the possibility
(probability) of off-shore drilling for oil/gas due to the proximity of a
terminal in Harpswell?
15A: [Dee Williamson] The
guess for the closest off shore wells is prime fishing and
spawning grounds: Georges Banks.
[added by Dee Williamson, 10/7] There are also wells being drilled on the
Scotian Shelf. A proposed 1,100 mile long pipeline to the New York/New
Jersey area may also be a consideration in the Fairwinds
proposal.
15A:
{10/19}[B.Ring]
there have been lots of wells drilled on the Canadian side of the line out
off Georges bank and Grand
bank. Most have turned up oil/or gas. The likely hood of there being wells
drilled on the US side is greater with each passing year. The tie in to
the proposed facility is obvious. It provides
an import point in the US from these wells.
15A:
{10/21}
[Peter Micciche] The proximity of the LNG terminal in
Harpsell will not impact the possibility or probability of off-shore
drilling. LNG receiving terminals are not typically constructed close to
gas fields. They are built to receive gas from countries whose domestic
gas reserves exceed their own demand. Neither ConocoPhillips nor
TransCanada have present intentions for offshore drilling in the vicinity
of Harpswell. Assuming there is even gas to be found in the offshore area,
there would be more effective ways of bringing it to market than through
an LNG terminal such as a direct pipeline connection. The construction of
a receiving terminal at Harpswell is not related to offshore drilling.
14Q. I think I remember Selectmen Weil saying it was
Fairwinds who wanted a speedy vote, even more speedy than December 16.
According to the Anchor, it was the Selectmen who were
in a hurry to have a vote to keep the "public on a tight string."
Selectman Knight said he wanted to have the vote before organizations like
Audubon could come in.
{10/5}:
14A[Burr Taylor] I asked Fairwinds on Friday who wanted the early date.
They said the Anchor was wrong. and that it was the company who wanted a
vote early. I went to the Anchor. They stood by their story including the
quote above.
13Q:
I expect that property values will be significantly reduced for properties
in the vicinity of Fairwinds, such as Birchmere and Edgewater Colony.
1. How has the value of properties, similar to properties in Birchmere
and Edgewater Colony, which are in the vicinity of facilities such as
Fairwinds (just outside the security zone) been affected?
For an article on Realtors discuss LNG, see links page (Effect on
Harpswell)
2. What are the liability of the Town of Harpswell for loss of use and
reduced property value as a result of signing a lease for Fairwinds?
13A
12Q: Given the various parties named in the MOO, who exactly would
the Town be entering into an agreement with if the project is approved by
the voters of Harpswell?
Is "Fairwinds" a legal entity?
What safeguards would the town have for enforcing provisions
negotiated in a contract if the two owner companies dissolved the
partnership, especially in the face of pending liability or litigation?
Who will be entitled to vote on December 16? Registered
Harpswell voters only? All Harpswell property tax payers?
Have the selectmen answered what they foresee for
long-term budget impacts on the Town if this is approved (other than
the fat check)? Do they anticipate the need for professional, full-time
public safety personnel, e.g., fire and police, for example? Might
Harpswell secede from SAD 75?
Has anyone observed that about half the elementary school
children in our town will spend most of their day in a building less than
a mile away from the proposed facility?
At the September 29 Open House, Fairwinds representatives
wouldn't disclose the location of the landbased pipeline alternative(s),
should they be denied the underwater access they prefer...shouldn't the
Town disclose whose property would be affected by the land alternative(s)? Presumably,
laws of eminent domain would be invoked?
What is the experience in acquiring homeowners insurance
for residents of other towns that harbor LNG facilities ?
Are their polices rated according to distance from the site?
How do their rates compare to neighboring towns?
When the selectmen visit other LNG sites such as the one
proposed for Harpswell, could they videotape the entire facility in
daytime operation so that we can get a real sense of a working plant and
not vote based upon an artist's rendering?
Could they also videotape the same facility operating at
10:00PM so we can get a sense of the lighting required for the plant, and
the ambient light effects?
12A [from Donna Frisoli, HCTV] In response to the Q. about
videotaping. Dave Chipman has gotten permission for HCTV to visit
Districgas to videotape their facility. We will be going down to Ma. and
taping many aspects of this ASAP.
11Q: Did Fairwinds target the Islands any differently
than Harpswell Neck, for example by sending different mailings to each
area?
{10/6}: 11A: [Peter Micciche]
No, we did not target the islands differently. The same information
material was sent to each member of the entire Harpswell community.
However, most Harpswell Neck residents received the mailings but several
hundred Orr's and Bailey residents did not. We are working to ensure our
mailing lists are up to date and accurate.
{10/7}: 11A-2 [Chris Duval] I dispute Mr.
Micciche's answer, as I know of several people who live near the site who
have received no communication from Fairwinds. In addition, I know that
some residents of Cundy's Harbor have received multiple mailings that
people on the neck have not received.
10Q: The MOO says the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, the
Basic Land Use Ordinance and the Tower Ordinance will need to be changed.
I couldn't find the "Tower" Ordinance anywhere. I did see the building
height section in the Basic Land Use Ordinance, but the MOO implies that
there are three ordinance changes.
{10/6}:10A: [Noel Musson, town planner]
Changes to the Basic, Shoreland, and Tower Ordinances are being considered
at this time. In addition, changes to the Shoreland Zoning Map and some
amendments to the 1993 Comprehensive Plan are also being considered. As
you know, the Selectmen have schedule several public hearings to discuss
issues related to the LNG terminal. The next meeting is October 7
(tomorrow night) at 7:00 PM. Any proposed changes to the Land Use
Ordinances will definitely be discussed at a hearing on October 27. Any
amendments to the 1993 Comprehensive Plan will be discussed at a public
hearing on November 10. As usual the draft changes will be on file at the
town office to give people a chance to read them over.
9Q: What will happen with the sewage created during
construction and during operation?
{10/5}:
[Fairwinds (Peter Micciche)] Sewage treatment and removal are
governed under the federal National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination
permit system (NPDES). NPDES is regulated by the State who has been given
authority from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This means that all plans to treat and dispose of sewage must be approved
by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Sewage needs to be managed to
prevent adverse effects to nearby waters as well as to groundwater.
During construction, sewage would be collected on site and removed by an
approved carrier to a proper disposal site.
For operations, our plans
right now are that the facility would be self-contained and include a
dedicated wastewater treatment facility.
Discharge would be regulated
by the DEP and the permit would establish the requirements for monitoring
and reporting on effluent quality and include a discharge volume
limitation.
Sanitary wastewater is to use
a sanitary disposal unit (SDU). This type of system typically consists of
a central lift station for collecting and pumping sewage, a small
skid-mounted treatment module to provide biological treatment of the
sewage and a sand filtration unit and chlorination unit to treat the
effluent. The small amount of sludge generated during the treatment
process will be collected periodically from the unit for disposal in a
municipal landfill. The wastewater treatment unit must effectively treat
wastewater to meet strict DEP discharge limits. All effluent must be
monitored according to NPDES permit requirements.
Another option is to collect
all sanitary sewage generated at the site and have the sewage removed by
an approved carrier to a proper disposal site.
All other refuse generated
from site activities will be temporarily stored at the site (dumpster) and
removed from site by approved carriers to approved waste disposal sites.
9A: [Dee Williamson] No one
has addressed the construction phase sewage question to Fairwinds in
public (on camera). Fairwinds stated one time that the construction crews
would be brought in by ferry. Then at a later meeting it was stated they
would be bringing in workers by ferry and barge. My guess is that they
were referring to accommodation barges that people actually live on.
These are like floating motels with quarters, bathrooms even recreation
type areas. They hold their own potable water and sewage tanks, some have
sewage treatment plants...just what kind of treatment plant and just where
it all goes after it is treated (the untreated also) would have to
be asked and answered by Fairwinds and monitored closely if this
project takes place.
Note: I have forwarded Q9 & Q7 to Fairwinds for their answer. [bwt]
8Q: Everyone is assuming that if we approve the Fairwinds
Project, our taxes will go down. But isn't it true that the state will
provide less money to Harpswell because of this windfall, and that the
benefit might not be as large as some are promising?
8A: [bwt] The Selectman said they are expecting
the Town will have a T.I.F. which in some way means that the Project will
not be included in our total evaluation as far as school funding and
Cumberland County is concerned. However, nobody knows how the money will
be spent: how much for taxes, how much for infrastructure, how much for
???. I think are many different ideas of the pie.
7Q: What are the environmental impacts if an
underwater pipeline carrying natural gas is ruptured?
{10/5}: 7A: [Fairwinds
(Peter Micciche)] 10/5: State-of-the-art design, materials, and
installation provide for safe and efficient underwater pipeline operations
for an indefinite period of time. With proper monitoring and maintenance
programs natural gas pipelines have operated safely for decades in marine
environments around the world.
In the unlikely event of an
underwater pipeline rupture, the event will be detected by the gas control
center and automatic or remote control shut off valves located on shore
will be actuated isolating the affected pipeline section. The LNG Terminal
vaporization and send-out operations would be shut down.
The escaping gas would bubble
to the surface expanding as it rises through the water. Upon reaching the
surface the gas, being comprised mostly of methane and lighter than air,
would continue to rise in the air and would quickly dissipate.
Fish in the vicinity of the
rupture would evacuate the area. Some marine organisms and sediments would
be expected to be trapped in the pipeline as sea water rushes in to
replace the displaced natural gas.
At the rupture site there
could be local disturbance of the seabed, possibly causing sediments to be
placed into suspension. The sediment transport distance would depend on
the grain size, quantity, and magnitude of the tidal currents at the time.
During repair of the pipeline there would be short term
impacts associated with disturbance of the seabed necessary to clean up
the area, and remove the damaged pipe and replace it with new pipe. This
could create further sedimentation as the pipeline is "day-lighted" to
expose it for handling and repair. Sea water and debris would need to be
removed from the pipeline by successive cleaning pig runs. Disposal would
be subject to approved procedures. After the pipeline is cleaned it would
be pressure tested with water and dried out using procedures similar to
those employed during construction.
7Q-2: The last sentence in the Fairwinds answer is "After
the pipeline is cleaned it would be pressure tested with water and dried
out using procedures similar to those employed during construction." What
exactly are the components of drying out a pipeline?
7A-2
{10/22}[Fairwinds]:
Prior to testing of the pipeline, a slug of seawater is used to clean and
flush the pipeline of any large debris. Debris is removed from the water
before discharging. After the pipeline has been tested with seawater, the
pipeline is dewatered by driving several dewatering pigs through the line
to remove all the free water. A pig is a cylindrical device with rubber/elastomer
cups around it which is inserted into a pipeline and fits tightly against
the wall of the pipe. The test water does not contain any chemicals and is
discharged through a dissipater to avoid erosion and scouring. Filter bags
are commonly used before discharging back to the sea. A slug of clean
water would be sent through the pipeline between the first two pigs to
clean any salt deposits off the pipeline wall if required. Vacuum or
desiccant drying would then be used to remove residual moisture from the
pipeline to ensure gas delivered from the pipeline is dry and meets market
specifications. Vacuum drying basically involves removing excess moisture
from the pipeline by reducing pressure in the pipeline until residual
moisture is evaporated and extracted. Desiccant drying would involve
pushing warm, dry air through the pipeline to absorb the moisture. In both
types of drying, the moisture laden air is exhausted to atmosphere.
6Q: The election seems to be scheduled for a time when a
lot of people are away, and Harpswell's many summer residents will not
have a chance to voice their opinion. I wonder if it this was done
intentionally?
6A: {10/15}:[Town] The LNG
proposal vote was scheduled to meet the request made by Conoco/Phillips
and TransCanada. Voting by a certain date was a requirement of the offer.
5Q: It seems like this whole process is being rushed. Why
can't it be addressed at Harpswell's annual town meeting next March, when
it can be properly presented and discussed in a manner that has served as
the heart of democracy in New England for centuries? That way we would
have more time to learn all of the facts.
5A: {10/15}:[Town] See the
answer to 6Q above. In addition, it is unlikely that the selectmen would
hold a vote on a matter as important as this on the floor rather than by
secret ballot, which allows for absentee voting.
4Q: Is it true that the energy companies are paying for
the town's lawyer? That sounds like a conflict of interest to me.
4A: {10/15}:[Town] The
companies are paying the bills submitted by the Town's attorneys and
consultants. This is normal practice when making an unsolicited offer. It
is in accordance with bar rules, which have been consulted. The lawyers
and consultants were selected by the Town and report only to the Town.
3Q:
I am interested in a
question raised by my neighbor the other day. He said that the selectmen
have been talking to the LNG companies for over a year now even though a
proposal was only recently submitted. If our town government knew this
was a possible future development, why wasn’t this disclosed prior to the
town meeting where we voted to return the pipeline easement land to
adjacent property owners. This really smells of something political.
Does anyone know why this wasn’t done?
3A: [George Swallow] I was chairman of the board of selectmen until Town Meeting
March 2003 and I knew nothing about this project. If any selectmen was
dealing with anyone proposing an LNG facility it was on their own and of
no knowledge of the rest of the board.
2Q: Is there a written proposal from Fairwinds to the town,
if so, where can a copy be obtained?
2A: [bwt] The written proposal, called the Memorandum of Offer can be found
on the Town of Harpswell website under Selectmen or (No longer
there)
1Q. How do Harpswell's property taxes compare to other coastal
communities' taxes?
1A: {10/05}: [Burr Taylor] See the
Coastal Enterprises Study: Preserving Commercial Fishing Access: A
Study of Working Waterfronts in 25 Maine Communities. It includes a
comparisons of taxes paid in the town. You can find it here.
Maine
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